78th Infantry Division WWII Living History Association



Mission Statement	Latest Intelligence
LATEST INTELLIGENCE
Battleship New Jersey V.J. Day August 14, 2010 On August 14, 2010 the 78th Infantry Division took place in the V-J Day Anniversary Ceremony on the Battleship New Jersey. We started the day by setting up a small display of our gear alongside a World War II Jeep, and wore the uniforms of World War II. Later in the day, we took part in the re-enactment of the Japanese Surrender, which took place aboard the USS Missouri. The re-enactment included General MacArthur, Admiral Halsey and Admiral Nimitz, as well as Japanese continuances. Many Veterans were aboard the ship for the re-enactment, including Veteran Ed Buffman, who was aboard the Missouri from the ships commissioning as well as the Japanese surrender, until 1946. We would like to thank the Battleship for the invitation to another great event. For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
Parkesburg VFW July 25, 2010 The 78th Infantry Division World War II Living History Association had the privilege of joining the Parkesburg VFW in honoring WWII Veteran Jesse Thomas. Jesse Thomas, a member of the 6th Marine Division, 22nd Regiment was one of the 4 US Marine’s who raised the American Flag on Okinawa, on June 22, 1945. Today he is the sole survivor of that act. Jesse was honored at a ceremony for his heroism during the war, and received new set of uniforms, reproduction of the ones worn by him during combat, as well as his dress uniform. Those uniforms were made by and donated by Vincent Santucci, member of the 78th Division. For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
On Sunday, May 16, 2010, the 78th Infantry Division, along with the Gloucester County Parks and Recreation, set up a WWII Encampment: “Soldiers Stories and Veteran Legacies” at the Red Bank Battlefield in National Park, NJ. The 78th Infantry Division, 2nd Rangers and the Airborne Paratroopers displayed their living quarters, weapons, gear and personal effects that were used during WWII. Two military MP’s helped guide the visitors into the park and a WWII jeep and weasel finished off the display. Just across from the living history exhibit was a Veteran’s tent, where Veterans George Waple, Peter Fantacone and Jim McNamee shared their stories and items from their time of service, and author Sharon Wells Wagner displayed her book, written about her father, Veteran Red Wells. A Big Band took the stage for two sets, playing music from the 1940’s, in between the Veteran speakers. The Battleship New Jersey, American Red Cross and Gloucester County Historical Society also had displays, giving out information and speaking with guests. It was a great day with a large crowd, we look forward to our next event at Fort Mercer in the future. For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
Operation Overlord - Fort Mifflin - Philadelphia, PA This past weekend, we hosted our spring event, Operation Overlord, at Fort Mifflin on the Delaware. The weekend brought us beautiful weather, which drew a large crowd to the fort to watch both the morning and afternoon battles. We would like to thank the re-enactors for their support to the fort with their displays to the public and participation in the day's activities. We would also like to thank the Battleship New Jersey for attending and distributing information on the Battleship, Terry Thomas for his outstanding weapons display, which was a crowd pleaser, and Vince Santucci for his allied and axis uniform displays. Finally, we would like to thank the Fort Mifflin staff for their help throughout the weekend. We look forward to seeing everyone at our winter Fort Mifflin event on December 11, 2010, Battle for Saint Vith. For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
Mini Bulge - Operation Norwind The 78th Infantry Division joined several other allied forces at the Fort Indiantown Gap, for their Battle of Norwind weekend, March 26-27, 2010, in an attempt to defeat the axis units. Saturday morning we began our journey to the battleground acting as armor support, riding in the WWII Weasels. We spent the day in the field, holding our position and lines, with the help of the many WWII vehicles and Sherman tank that was there. The weather was great and we had a good time in the field. We came back to begin preparing of our next event at Fort Mifflin, April 24, hope to see you there! For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
65th Commemoration of the Battle of the Bulge The 78th Infantry Division took part in the 66th Anniversary Remembrance of the Battle of the Bulge from January 26 - 31, 2010.Several members arrived late Tuesday afternoon and began setting up our bunks and barracks for the week. We brought the life of an infantryman inside the barracks to display throughout the room with exhibits of foot lockers, field desks and weapons. On Wednesday and Thursday the rest of the men arrived, we helped get everyone settled in completed the rest of our displays. We used our time during the day practicing and demonstrating our marching and drilling throughout the streets, as well as cleaning weapons and getting ready for the battle on Friday. Friday morning we set out to face the axis units in the Woods of Fort Indiantown Gap. We spent the day holding the line and pushing the German forces back from our location. After a long day of battle, we finished Friday night off with our annual ceremony meeting with the other divisions. Saturday started off with the 78th Infantry's annual meeting. We discussed our plans and idea's for the 2010 year. The afternoon consisted of getting ready for the Big Band Dinner Dance, promotions and the Soldier of the Year awarding. We ended off a great week with a great dinner and entertainment Saturday night. We look forward to another successful year for the 78th Infantry Division. For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
Col. Robert E. Krauss Memorial Solider of the Year Award for 2009 Each year the 78th Infantry Division selects the Soldier of the Year, who is a member that has stood out throughout the year, with dedication and commitment to the group. In 2009, the 78th Infantry Division went through a year of transition, with several new members joining and roles changing. Each current member was dedicated and committed to the 78th during this transition period, and each stepped up to help out in any way that they could. Due to the constant loyalty of these members, this years Solider of the Year award was awarded to the entire 78th Infantry Division. Thank you for your hard work and dependability throughout the year. Congratulations on A Job Well Done.
Battle for St. Vith Fort Mifflin, PA On the weekend of December 12th the 78th Infantry Division hosted the Battle for St.Vith at Fort Mifflin on the Delaware. We started Friday morning off by setting up our barracks and setting up wood fences throughout the forts grounds. By Friday afternoon several different units began arriving at the fort and setting up their displays in their casemates and barracks. Saturday morning started off with a public battle, followed by tours of the casemates and fort, time to answer questions and interact with the re-enactors, and special displays from the Battleship New Jersey in the Fort Mifflin Gift Shop and WWII Veteran Jim McNamee in the map room. Veteran McNamee displayed some of the memorabilia he collected during the time he served and the visitors at the fort enjoyed listening to his stories from his entrance to the war at age 16, through the battles and experiences until his arrival back home in Philadelphia. His collection of memorabilia includes a German flag from the first German city to fall, Aachen, a German luger from an officer in which he shot the weapon right out of his hand, many passports and his own equipment from the war. Terry Thomas set up a display in the map room, with several different weapons for the spectators to enjoy seeing and holding and Vince Santucci displayed several uniform set up's worn by both the allied and axis divisions through the war. A second battle was held for the public in the afternoon, with a large crowd watching from atop the hill. To top off the weekend, PBS attended the event and did filming and interviewing of the battle and re-enactors for a new documentary. We finished off the weekend with a night tactical for those attending the event. This was another successful event for the 78th Infantry Division, with nice weather and a great crowd. We look forward to seeing everyone at Fort Mifflin in April 2010! For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
Delaware Military History Day at FT DuPont November 7th - We had the privilege to be apart of the opening of the Delaware State Military Museum at Fort DuPont, Delaware City, Delaware, this past Saturday, November 7th. We had our normal display of field gear and weapons on exhibit, as well as a WWII jeep and weasel to complete out display. The attendance was outstanding and we enjoyed being a part of the parade and the ceremonies for the unveiling of the museum. The ceremonies were extra special as the Military Museum accepted the American Flag that flew over the U.S.S. Cole at the time of her attack in Aden, Yemen on October 12, 2000. May the memories of the 17 sailors that lost their lives that day always be remembered, especially at this new museum For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
West Point Military Academy West Point, NY The 78th Infantry Division spent October 17 at West Point Military Academy in West Point, NY. We had the opportunity to set up a display of weapons, field gear and Medic equipment outside the West Point Museum along with other WWII re-enactment units. A steady pace of visitors stopped throughout the day as they entered and left the Museum, as well as several Cadets who are currently attending the academy. After the event, we had the opportunity to see the sights of the Military Academy, Museum, and cemetery, where several former military leaders are now buried. This was a great event, and we look forward to returning next year. For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
A Thank You from Millville Airport Millville Airport To 78th from Ed Lazarcheck-MAAFM Matt,I should be thanking you! It is you and your fantastic organization that helped make our event a success. All I heard all day long was nothing but kudos for your organization, your great display, and the knowledge that you and your posses. On behalf of our museum staff and board members I would like to extend to you our deepest gratitude for a "job well done." Your organization is welcome to join us and participate in all of our functions. We certainly will keep you advised. I plan to attend your event on Dec 12th. and hope to see you then. Once again thank you so much. Ed Lazarcheck MAAFM
Millville Airport: World War II War Birds On Saturday, October 3, the 78th Infantry Division was extended an invitation to join the Millville Airport with their World War II Warbirds event. Our camp included weapons, field gear, a 1945 Studebaker Weasel and the general life of an infantryman and combat medics during the war. It was another successful event as there was a large crowd of visitors throughout the day, stopping by to check out our display as well as the many period planes that were at the airport. Millville Airport also has a World War II Museum that we had the opportunity to visit and we suggest that if you are in the area to stop and see it, as it is very well done. We would like to thank the airport for the invitation to this event, and look forward to working with then in the future. For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
September 18th -20th - 2009 Eisenhower Farm, Gettysburg, PA It was a beautiful weekend to spend on Eisenhower's Farm in Gettysburg, PA. We arrived on Friday and set up our camp and living history display on the back lawn of the farm. We spent the day setting up and meeting up with the men as everyone arrived. We took the late afternoon to tour the Gettysburg Battlefield and take in the sights of such a historic place. Saturday and Sunday mornings we arrived back at Eisenhower's Farm and got ready for the day. We took pictures with many visitors and talked to the guests about our display and answered questions. We had the pleasure of having 78th Division veteran Jack Fetterolf joined us at our camp, nothing better than having first hand accounts of the 78th actions during WW II. We took the opportunity to explore the 189 acres of farmland and the inside of the Eisenhower residence. We also used this great event to welcome new member Patrick Vezzzetti! Saturday night we put on our dress uniforms and took in the Big Band Dance for the evening. It was a great event with nice weather and a good time was had by everyone. We would like to thank the other groups that attended this event, the displays were outstanding. Also, we would like to take this time to thank the following units, 101st/506 HQ Co., 83rd U.S. Infantry division and East Yorkshire Regiment, for their kind words about our group with our manual of arms, marching, drills and ceremony. For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
September 7th - We arrived at Odessa on Friday, a first time there for us. The scenery and view was spectacular, the rolling hills and hedgerows could be seen for miles. We set up camp along the tree line in the allied section with the 1st Infantry, 2nd Rangers Battalion and the 6th Cavalry Group bivwacked nextto us. Saturday morning the Allied command assigned each unit into four Battalions.We were assigned with the 1st Infantry Division, 99th Infantry Division and 6th Cavalry Group. The allied push began; all four Battalions entered into the fields and hedgerow with heavy casualties. The fire fight was steady, two of the Battalions were sent to flank on the Left and right while we pushed through the middle. We locked up in the center were the judges called it and we regrouped for a second push. The allied and axis forces began to spread out over the country side. The Axis still had the advantage; they were dug in and had their MG's in thehedgerows covering the field. We had the opportunity to work with a great group of men in the Battalion that we were assigned to. It was more then trigger time with these men, it was about tactics, teamwork and meeting the objective and tasks. We moved on to out flank the enemy and work together to get through the hedgerows in some impossible scenarios. This event was a close replica of the Normandy landscape with the fields, hedgerows and dirt roadways that ran between them. An outstanding event and a great job by the event coordinator and all that participated. For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Photo!
August 16th - We once again had the honor to attend the 78th Infantry Division World War II Veteran's Association in Pittsburg, PA. It was an experience that we will always remember and a reminder that this is why we became a re-enactor of living history. We arrived at the hotel and the veterans were waiting patiently waiting for us. This was our third National Reunion with the Division members of the greatest generation. We had the opportunity to see many friendly faces of 78th Veterans Association again, including Red Gonzales, Don Weed, Gab Augustine, Edward Webber, Julius Tauber, John Swengel, along with many others. We set up a display of weapons, field gear and memories of the home front. We spent time with all the veterans listening to their stories and memories of times past. Several of us have the History Book of the78th Division, which the pages are already full of veteran's signatures, but we each added a few more to our pages this past weekend. We had the honor of meeting 10 of the men that were assigned at Camp Butner, North Carolina when the Division was activated there on August 15, 1942. On Saturday morning the memorial service was held. The banquet room was full to capacity with the Veterans and family members. We had the privilege to be the Colored Guard and present the colors of our nation and the division flag, while the names of the members of the Division were read that past away since the last Reunion a year ago in Louisville, all who are greatly missed. After the service the hospitality room was open again giving us time to show our display and talk some more. We heard the stories the veterans were telling their families of their own personal accounts and use of the weapons and gear that they carried during their time of service. In the early afternoon we again presented the colors for the Associations General Meeting. It was a productive meeting, with discussions of the future of the Association, The Flash and the Kelly Fund. Saturday evening was time to put on the Class A uniform for the formal dinner. The Evening began with words from Associations President Anthony Rossi and then a Representative from the Keyser W. VA School District with a proclamation from the City of Keyser to the Association. The evening entertainment was provided by the Pittsburg Banjo Band. During this time, Clp. Terry Thomas spoke to the association with kind word of thanks for their service and the memories that these veterans have shared with their families and us, so they will always live on. We want to thank the 78th Infantry Division World War II Association for allowing us to join them this weekend and for letting us be apart of their organization. The honor, service and dedication that these men gave to the United States will never be forgotten, and we are each individually honored to have gotten to know these men and will continue to live out the legacy that they created for themselves, through the 78th Infantry Division World War II Living History Association. It is a pleasure to join the Veterans each year as they gather to remember their times of the past. For Pictures of this Event Please Click on the Group Photo!
Week of August 10th Congratulations ! Staff Sergeant Rick Wark Rick was at the National Military Vehicle Show in Wisconsin with his 1944 Studebaker weasel . And took home a 1st Place Restored Class at the MVPA Convention at Evansville. [photogallery/photo00024229/real.htm]
Week of August 3rd Good Luck! Staff Sergeant Rick Wark Rick is at the National Military Vehicle Show in Wisconsin with his 1944 Studebaker weasel . Private Rich Stone and Family Rich and his family are on the way to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii . We look forward to seeing the photo's of the USS Arizona and USS Missouri. We wish Rick, Rich and his Family Good luck and safe return home!
Proprietary House Association Perth Amboy, NJ August 2, 2009 On Sunday, August 2, 2009, the 78th Infantry Division had the opportunity to set up a Living History display at the Proprietary House, the Royal Governors Mansion of Colonial New Jersey. We set up our Infantry, Weapon, Field Gear, Engineers and home front displays, allowing the spectators to enjoy a variety of different aspects of the Infantryman during World War II. We would like to thank Anthony Sattilaro and the Proprietary House Association for the invitation to join this event and the hospitality we received while there. Please check out the photo page for pictures from this event!
Heritage Sunday at Red Bank Battlefield National Park, NJ July 19, 2009 On Sunday, July 19, 2009, the 78th Infantry Division set up their living history display at Red Bank Battlefield. This was the first WWII display for Ft. Mercer, largely known for their battle during the Revolutionary War and Ann Whitall House. The 78th displayed our command tent and fly, with several pup tents leading the way to our camp. Inside our camp, spectators had the chance to see the weapons, gear and vehicles that the U.S. Infantryman used during WWII. The gorgeous day provided an overwhelmingly large turnout for the battlefield, giving us the opportunity to meet many WWII veterans from the 7th, 9th, 82nd, 78th, 87th, 101st Divisions and interact with visitors, by answering their questions and posing for pictures with our display and the guests. We also had the pleasure of CBS Channel 3 news, NBC Channel 10 news, The Courier Post and Philadelphia Inquirer coming out to support the Heritage Sunday Event. We look forward to working with Museum Curator Megan Giordano to schedule future events at the Battlefield. Please check out the photo page for pictures from this event!
Gloucester City 4th of July Parade Gloucester City NJ July 3rd, 2009 On Friday, July 3, 2009, the 78th Infantry Division had the honor of escorting WWII Veteran Jim McNamee through the Gloucester City July 4th parade. Veteran McNamee served with the 8th Infantry Division during WWII and is now part of VFW Post 3620 of Gloucester City. Veteran McNamee stood proud waving his flag while Sgt. Farley chauffeured him through the parade.
Reading Air Show Reading, PA June 4-7, 2009 We arrived to the Reading Air Show on Thursday morning and set up camp in record time. This year’s air show was the first since the passing of Col. Robert Krauss. In his memory, we dedicated our campsite to him, Camp Krauss, since this was a favorite event of his. The weekend ran smoothly, keeping the spectators pleased by drilling and marching around the tarmac. We had the honor of two 78^th veterans joining us in our camp, Grant Boyd and Julius Tauber. Veteran Tauber gave us the pleasure of displaying his jeep in our motor pool, giving us a total of five jeeps on display. On Saturday night, the 78^th Infantry Division was the Presidential Honor Guard to President Franklin Roosevelt prior to the Big Band Dance. All in all this was another successful event for the 78^th Infantry Division with great attendance and a large display. Photos of this event can be found on the photo page.